The Mets (15-8) lost to the Nationals (10-13) tonight at Citi Field by a score of 8-2.
The Mets jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the 2nd inning. After Eric Campbell grounded out, Wilmer Flores and Kevin Plawecki hit back-to-back doubles to plate a run. Curtis Granderson also tacked on a run for the Mets with an RBI single later in the inning to drive in Plawecki.
Jacob deGrom rolled through the first 3 innings, but in the 4th, Flores botched a routine double play ball, which subsequently led to the Nationals putting up a three spot in the inning. DeGrom would let up two more runs in the 6th inning, and end the day with 5 and 1/3rd’s innings pitched, allowing 5 runs (3 earned) on 5 hits, while walking 2 and striking out 4.
The Mets had a chance to get back in the game in the bottom of the 6th after Lucas Duda and Michael Cuddyer hit back-to-back singles to lead off the inning, but nothing came to fruition as the next three guys were set down in order.
The Nationals broke the game wide open in the 8th inning, when Buddy Carlyle loaded the bases and was replaced by Jack Leathersich, who served up a base-clearing double to Bryce Harper.
Drew Storen came on and set down the Mets 1,2,3 in the ninth.
Frustrating game. Another Flores error – his sixth of the season – is very concerning. I just don’t feel comfortable with him and Daniel Murphy up the middle. DeGrom was obviously frazzled after the missed double play and also the erratic strike zone. The bullpen was underwhelming, and the Mets offense has also been nowhere to be found. Put all that together, and you end up being on the wrong side of an 8-2 score. All I can say is that tomorrow is a new day and they have to play better. The Nationals have woken up.
On deck
Matt Harvey (4-0, 3.04 ERA) takes on Max Scherzer (1-2, 1.26 ERA) tomorrow night. First pitch is at 7:10 pm.
